Upper Mustang Trek-15 days Nepal Mustang Trek cost & dates 2023/2024

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1300 m)
Receive at Kathmandu airport by us and drive to hotel on arrival to Nepal. Spend free day in the afternoon, walk around bustling market of Kathmandu.
Day 2: In Kathmandu
Mustang trekking permit preparation and preparation for trekking and walk around in Kathmandu. Explore temples and palaces of Kathmandu.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara (850 m)
Drive or fly to Pokhara. By drive it takes 6 hours drive and by flight it is 40 minutes flight. Both are scenic. We provide transfer as per our clients request and requirement. Walk on lakeside Pokhara in the afternoon, and boating on Phewa Lake. It is beautiful and nice.
Day 4: Pokhara to Kagbeni (2810 m)
Get morning flight to Jomsom (2720 m), 35 minutes scenic mountain flight goes between 2 high mountains Annapurna(8090m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m).Start trek from Jomsom, the headquater of Mustang and continue trekking for 4 hours along the bank of Kaligandaki river. Kagbeni is the entry point of Mustang trekking and explore Kagbeni, its dzong and monastery in the afternoon. O/N at guest house in Kagbeni.
Day 5: Trek to Samar (3660 m, 6/7 hours)
Trek for 6/7 hours to Samar following the Kaligandaki river.Today trekking through the impresive vilages -Tangbe(3060m), Chhusang(2980m) and Chele (3050m) with fantastic landscapes.The first part of the trek is on flat and gradually and the last part of the trekking from the base of Chele village, it goes uphill to Samar village. O/N at guest house.
Day 6: Trek to Geling (3570 m, 5/6 hours)
Breakfast at Samar and continue trek to Geling. Trek is mostly uphill to Syangboche village(3800m) and then trek downhill to Geling village. There are two monastries of 15th century in Geling is worth visiting.
Day 7: Trek to Tsarang (3560 m, 6/7 hours)
Trek steep uphil to Geula pass (4025 m) for 2 hours and then downhill trek to Gherm(3520 m) for an hour. Lunch there and continue uphill trek upto Tsarang la (3870m) and then downhill trek to Tsarang. It is about 3/4 hours trek to Tsarang.
Day 8: Trek to Lo-Manthang (3809 m, 4 hours trek)
Trek 4 hours to Lo-Manthang, the final destination of Mustang trekking. The trek goes gradually up to Lo la pass (3950 m) offers nice view of Lo-Manthang valley and northern Mustang. From top we then trek downhill to Lo-Manthang, the ancient walled city of 14th century. It is the capital of Mustang, there is still the king and palace in existence.
Day 9: Explore Lo- Manthang.
Explore Palace of Mustang and surrounding Gompas of Lo -Manthang. There are four old major Gompas -Jampa Gompa, Thubchen Gompa,Chode Gompa and Choprang Gompa, built in 15th century.
Day 10: In Lo-Manthang
Explore nearby villages and caves of Lo-Manthang surrounding like Choser caves and Gharphu Gompa riding on horse. It is about 5/6 hours exploration day.
Day 11: Trek back to Ghermi (3520 m, 6/7 hours walk)
Trek back to Ghermi, on the same trekking trail we trekked up. It is mostly downhill trek for 6/7 hours.
Day 12: Trek to Samar (3660 m, 6/7 hours trek)
Trek down to Samar for 6/7 hours. The trekking is mostly downhill trek.
Day 13: Trek to Kagbeni (5/6 hours trek)
Easy trekking day for 5/6 hour, it is downhill trek to Chhusang for 2 hours and then easy flat trail trek to Kagbeni.
Day 14: Trek to Muktinath (3800m, 5/6 hours)
5/6 hours uphill trekking via Dzong and it is nice trekking to Muktinath on nice landscapes. Visit Muktinath temple and natural gas flaming goddess-Jwalamai in the afternoon.
Day 15: Trek to Jomsom
Trek down to Jomsom for 5/6 hour via Jharkot. Walk around Jomsom in the afternoon.
Day 16: Jomsom to Pokahra
Fly back to Pokhara in the morning and walk around Pokhara in the afternoon.
Day 17: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Fly or drive back to Kathmandu. Spend free day in the afternoon and join at our farewell dinner at typical Nepali restaurant with culture dance.
Day 18: Kathmandu airport
Final transfers to Kathmandu airport to get fly back to home.

Cost Included:

• Bus transfer- Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu..
• Twin sharing tea house accommodation during trek.
• Besishahar to Chame by local jeep transfer sharing with other people.
• Trekking permit-ACAP and TIMS cards
• English Speaking guide and all his expenses like salary, meals, accommodation and transfer
• 3 times meals- breakfast, lunch and dinner during trekking
• Jomsom -Pokhara by bus transfer
• For ABC/Poon Hill Trek - Transfer by bus or car to/from Pokhara to Trekking start/end point.
• Hotel in Pokhara before and after the trek.
• All the goverment taxes and company service charge.

Cost Not Included

• Airport pick up and departure transfer
• Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu but we can book on your request.
• Private car transfer -Kathmandu to Pokhara.
• Jeep transfer or flight cost- Jomsom/Pokhara.
• Travel Insurance in case of emergency for Heli rescue and other medication
• Porter to carry luggage - but we arrange on your request 1 porter between 2 clients. 
• Any kind of drinks and desert like beer, water, tea/coffee, hot water, chocolate/rice pudding, pie and pancake.
• Expenses of personal nature like telephone, internet, wifi, hot shower, battery charging
• Tips for guide and porter
• All the cost not mention on above cost includes.

Best Seasons Trekking Mustang
Upper Mustang does not experience a summer monsoon, extending the trekking season from March to November. Winter (December – February) can be harsh and is not recommended for trekking as many lodges close and locals migrate south for the season.

Autumn-Trekking
Autumn (September – November) usually has clear skies, colorful trees, and wonderful views all the way south to the snowy peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Autumn brings clear blue skies and mild temperatures before the cold sets in in December.The weather is generally dry and clear, with warm sunny days and excellent visibility. Autumn is slightly like winter. Colder than Summer, although you won’t find patches of snow.Nights in Autumn get chilly. In October the temperature dips to 0° C.During the day, you will experience temperatures around 15° C. But any rain or slight drizzle brings down the temperature by a few degrees. So keep a jacket handy with you always.Temperature day time between 15 °C and 18 °C and night time will drop to temperatures between 5 °C and -15 °C.

Spring and Summer-Trekking
In Spring (March – May) wildflowers grow, adding color to the dry and dusty landscape. Summer (June – August) is even more colorful with lush green fields surrounding villages, but there is a higher chance of cloud coverage. Transport in Lower Mustang is likely to be disrupted due to the monsoon. In Spring, although you will find patches of hard snow at higher altitudes, the temperature during the day will be slightly warmer than that in Autumn, when there won’t be any snow on the trek. In Spring, expect pleasant daytime temperatures around 20 °C. But at night it dips to almost zero levels.During the day if the sun goes behind the clouds and there is about of rain, then the temperature can fall to around 15 °C.Temperature day time: between 20 °C and 24 °C and night time will drop to temperatures between 10 °C and -15 °c.

Upper Mustang Festivals
There are two main festivals that take place in Upper Mustang.

Tiji Festival
Tiji Festival, held over 3 days in mid-May. Monks from Chode Monastery perform ritual masked dances and chants in colorful costumes, recreating the legend of Dorje Sonnu defeating demons to save the land from drought. The lead monk prepares for his role in isolation for three months at Chode Monastery. The festival takes place in the square within the walled city of Lo Manthang and people come from all over Mustang to attend. A huge ancient Thangka of Guru Rinpoche is hung from one of the buildings, the only time of year that it is on display.

Yartung Mela
The Yartung horse festival that takes place over 3-4 days around the August Full Moon, marking the end of summer and the completion of the harvest. There is lots of drinking and dancing, plus archery and football competitions, horse races, and religious processions. It is celebrated across Mustang, most notably in Lo Manthang and Muktinath.

Solo Trekkers
Solo Trekking in the restricted area is completely forbidden. You will have to trek in a group.A lot of people trek solo in Nepal and have thoroughly enjoyed. Trekking solo has its own benefits. You will not have to adjust your schedule according to anyone. You can also follow your own route as you wish to. Also, finding your way, especially in the non-restricted regions, is very easy. The routes are well marked and pretty straight.Nepal is completely safe for solo trekkers. But you will also have to be a little more careful while travelling alone.

Insurance for Upper Mustang Trek
Travel insurance is highly recommended for Mustang Trek because the high altitude can lead to many illnesses, weakness in trekkers, and misjudgments. There is also a risk on trails for falls, avalanches and other mishaps. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

Mustang Trek Packing List
This is the mandatory kit list for the safety of everyone in the group and to ensure a successful trek. You must have the following items tailored for the Dolpo trek. The guide will check your gear in Kathmandu before departure for the trek. Each porter will be carrying for 2 people’s belongings which they carry from a strap on their head), so be mindful and considerate as you pack. Also, bear in mind that it’s very common to leave excess baggage at hotels and guesthouses in Kathmandu. The weight limit for your duffel bag/big rucksack/backpack is 15 kg. The weight limit of your day rucksack or backpack is 5 kg.

Footwear
Walking Boots. 
Trail shoes. 
Sandals. 
Walking socks.

Clothing
Waterproof and Windproof jacket (with hood) and trousers (goretex or similar)
Trekking trousers. 
Soft Shell Trousers.
Long sleeve tops or shirts (not cotton).
Micro fleece.
Mid to heavyweight fleece or synthetic/ primaloft top.
Sleeveless/ gilet or body warmer type fleece / synthetic top. 
Thermals or base layer for top and bottom (merino wool or synthetic).
Fleece or synthetic leggings.
Medium weight down jacket.

Heads and Gloves
Fleece gloves.
Warms mittens and/or gloves.
Wool or fleece hat.
Sun hat.
Bandana or scarf.
Head torch. Bring extra batteries.
Sunglasses. 

For Crossing the passes
Trekking poles 
A pair of Gaiters. 

Personal equipment
Sleeping bag. Overnight lows down to -15 Celsius. 
Fleece or silk liner for your sleeping bag. 
Sleeping mat 
Day pack. 
Two water bottles
Pee bottle. 
Sunscreen and Lip balm with a high SPF.
Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Aqua or Aqua Mira).
Favorite snack food.
Books and cards etc.
Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
Earplugs (optional).
Baby wipes (optional).
Duffel bag/Big rucksack/backpack
Travel clothes. 
Toiletry bag with soap, travel towel, toothbrush etc. 
Personal first aid kit
Blister treatment (Compeed patches are the best)
Re-hydration powder (eg Dioralyte).
Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin).
Plasters and zinc oxide tape.
Throat lozenges.
Diamox (helps with acclimatization).
Water filter
Power bank
Poncho/rain coat

Documents:
Flight info(required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
Insurance certificate(required) (With photocopies)
Passport (required) (With photocopies)
Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)

Essentials:
Binoculars (optional)
Cash, credit and debit cards
Money belt
Outlet adapter
Watch and alarm clock
Waterproof backpack cove

Health and Safety:
Face masks (required)
Hand sanitizer (required)
Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Rubber glove
Whistle

Drinking Water
Drinking plenty of water is a must.Please drink at least three liters of water while trekking each day.Bottled water and hot water is available to buy throughout the trek. You have to purchase your water throughout the trek. It is typically around 100 to 200 rupees. That’s why packing a Steripen is a fantastic idea — you can fill up at the taps, and you won’t have to buy any water or waste unnecessary plastic!

Mustang Guided Trek
Guided trek is the best option if you want a stress-free hiking holiday. The guide manages all of the logistics, distances, directions, and tea houses. The directions are not always very clear like on the Everest Base Camp trek and having the guide manages all of the logistics. You must trek to Upper Mustang with guide because trek is not possible independently in Upper Mustang.

Guide and Porter
Upper Mustang trekking guides cost between $30 – $50 per day, depending on their experience.A porter costs around $20 – $25 per day and this cost can usually be shared between two people, based on 10 – 15 kg per person.

Money Matter
You’ll need cash to pay for extra food and beverages, water, and showers along the way. On the trail, everything is payable in cash in the local currency, Nepalese Rupees (NPR) We suggest to bring 25,000 rupees (around $250 USD) with you for the trek.Also beware that ATM have max withdrawal amounts, and your bank may have a max daily withdrawal limit, so you may not be able to withdraw the total amount that you need all in one day. Plan ahead.There are ATM in Jomsom, but it’s best to withdraw your cash in Kathmandu/Pokhara instead of relying on a local ATM.

Nepal Visa
Tourist visas are available on arrival at Kathmandu-Tribhuvan International Airport and at all land border crossings that are open to foreign travellers. While this is available for most foreigners, citizens of some countries are required to get a visa prior to arrival, while those from SAARC countries can get their visa free of charge.There are three different visa options and prices: Multiple Entry 15 Days – 30 USD, 30 Days – 50 USD and 90 Days – 125 USD. In order to get a visa on arrival you’ll need four things:
One passport size photo
A passport valid for at least six months
At least one blank page in your passport
The visa fee in cash (US Dollars is best)

Tipping
We recommend tipping for guide: $10-$20 USD per day per person and porter: $10-$15 USD per day per person. If you want to give more you can it depends on their services to you.There is no limit tipping guide and porter.

Passports
As a general rule, your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Please ensure the passport details you provide are accurate. Any errors provided may result in extra fees for making corrections in bookings. We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leave copies at home with family or friends.

Altitude Sickness
Travelers to altitudes higher than 2,500 m are at risk of altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS). This can be life-threatening and affect anyone, even people who are very physically fit. There is a higher risk for those who have had altitude sickness before, who exercise or drink alcohol before adjusting to the altitude, or who have health problems that affect breathing. If your tour travels to high altitude, see your doctor for advice specific to you and your situation before you depart. It is important to be aware of the normal altitude symptoms that you may encounter BUT NOT worry about:
1.Periods of sleeplessness
2.Occasional loss of appetite
3.Vivid, wild dreams at around 2500-3800m in altitude
4.Unexpected momentary shortness of breath, day and night
5.Periodic breathing that wakes you occasionally
6.Blocked nose
7.Dry cough
8.Mild headache
If you are feeling nauseous, dizzy, or experience other symptoms, please be sure to let your guide know immediately so that we can monitor your condition. Please be aware that should your guide deem it unsafe for you to continue trekking at any time, they will arrange for you to descend to a lower altitude.

Medical Facilities and Treatment:
Medical facilities in Nepal are very limited, particularly outside Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, treatment at international-standard clinics is expensive and up-front  payment for services is generally required. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment, including evacuation by helicopter.

Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and trekking don't mix. We highly recommend that you limit your alcohol consumption in Kathmandu prior to your trip. Celebrate your achievements after your trek. Both alcohol and caffeine increase dehydration. Limit your intake of both when hiking at high altitudes.